Last year, Coca-Cola replaced its iconic logo, created in 1885, to brand its bottles with personalised names and nicknames. Now it has gone one step further, and is having song names and lyrics on its labels.

Coca-Cola and Coke Zero labels have 37 international song names or lyrics and another 24 local ones, all bearing a significant message, ranging from romantic and intimate to funny and tongue-in-cheek quips.

The QR code on the label may be scanned to redirect a song to the website sayitwithasong.coke.com and can be shared with a friend or a loved one, through Facebook or by mobile phone. The recipient will be able to listen to the song message in a 15-second video clip. To learn how to send an Emotisong, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v+CRRCPjDsESs.

The campaign kicked off in most European countries. What is particular about Malta is that Coca-Cola bottles do not only feature names and lyrics of international songs , but it is also the only country where lyrics and the names of local artistes can be found on the label.

Maltese singers featuring in the campaign are Ira Losco, Airport Impressions, Winter Moods, Tenishia, Freddie Portelli, Greenfields and The Tramps. The full list of songs and singers both from the international arena and the local scene can be found at sayitwithasong.coke.com.

“Coca-Cola is a global brand but it never loses touch with the realities where it is consumed,” said Martin Agius, head of marketing at The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, bottlers of Coca-Cola.

“This is why we made sure to have Maltese songs – in English and Maltese – and the artistes’ names on the labels as Coca-Cola is adamant in supporting local talent.”